Dick Figures S01E06 “OMG”

Red and Blue will plant this episode in your subconscious and then cover it in their own fertilizer. Dick Figures was created by Ed Skudder, who wrote, directed and voiced the episode along with Zack Keller.

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4 Swilies

“Make me a sandwich… out of babies!”

If you haven’t seen Inception, you probably won’t get a lot of the jokes in this episode. For those who think that Inception is the single smartest movie ever made, you’ll probably think this is hilarious.

I was surprised to find we hadn’t covered Dick Figures here before. Maybe this isn’t the best one to start discussing, because it is essentially a whole bunch of dream gags. Some of them are pretty funny, but if you’re looking for story or character, look elsewhere.

This is another Mondo Media released show. Man, they just about own animation on the YouTube.

Like I said, there’s a few good laughs in here, and the production is nicely done. Another thing I like that they go on to the next joke pretty rapidly, instead of playing the same joke long after we get it, like many YouTube series.

Monster Hunters: Ep. 1 “Hunters Vs. Santa”

The “Monster Hunters” want to work for you! Santa and Princess kick some ass.

Music By:
Fly By Night- “Comin For You”
Sydnee Jane- “Ready to go”
The Steven McGill Project- “Track Nine”

2 Swirlies

“I used to kill everything.  People taking a shit.”

Despite the 2 swirlies, this show is just good old fashion shoot ‘em up fun.  Nothing wrong with that!  Just don’t watch this expecting anything more.

Basically, the “Monster Hunters” are a team of deadly assassins laid off because of the bad economy, and now they’re guns for hire.  Their first gig?  Killing a guy that doesn’t even remotely look like Santa (except for the Christmas sweater and Santa hat).

I won’t spoil it for you, but that’s pretty much the whole episode.  Not a lot of story—but like I said before, shooting galore.

And you know what?  The low budget gun fighting actually kind of works, because nobody here is taking themselves too seriously (least of all, the filmmakers).  That’s probably the key to good parody—and this one makes the most of making fun of the action genre– complete with title cards for the ridiculous assassins.

I didn’t find myself laughing out loud, but it was amusing in an over-the-top way.  It’s one of those videos that you watch simply to be entertained without any greater expectations.

Hey, the show definitely lives up to its premise!

Meet the Mayfarers: Ep. 1 “Sex & Funerals”

Nick wakes up to find himself in a one night stand from hell.

2 Swirlies

“Porter Mayfarer, the fish monger?”

This episode serves as the hook for what the audience imagines will be much Mayfarer Family quirkiness and dysfunction to come.  And it’s short!  Which is great—so often, episodes of web series feel too long.

It’s a bare-bones-shot (read: low budget) series, which smartly uses music and titles to signal to the audience that this is indeed a comedy.  Tonally, there really aren’t any jokes; it’s more the situation that the characters find themselves in that yields comedic potential.

Without spoiling anything, Nick finds himself in a dilemma, which the audience pretty much sees coming (the title gives it away)—but despite that, sets up an awkward situation, which we only hope gets more awkward and darkly funny as the series progresses (in a way that Meet the Parents never has quite accomplished).

However, the first episode doesn’t yield enough to judge the series and where it’s going.  So I encourage those interested to watch on and make up your own minds!

Rise ‘n Shine Og: Ep. 1 “Locked Out”

A show about an adorably hateful British woman living in Canada, trying to make her way through the world one miserable morning at a time.

3 Swirlies

“Get on the ground!  Shut up!”

This series is basically a one-woman monologue—if that woman were a potty-mouthed Bridget Jones.  Except our heroine is Og— and she doesn’t mind breaking the fourth wall all the time (think Malcolm in the Middle).

The series feels like a quirky indie film—not without its charms—and it looks good for that aesthetic.  And yet, the length of the episode (18 minutes) suggests that the creators see this as more of a potential TV show than a web series.

The story itself is rather simple.  Og gets locked out of her house, and has to retrieve a spare key—obstacles (and hilarity) ensue.  However, there’s a huge logic hole: Why doesn’t Og just drive back to her boyfriend’s work and get the key from him?  It’s the simplest solution, and yet, it takes her until the end of the episode to do just that!

If you can forgive story holes like that, then you just might be able to go along for the ride.  And Anita Smith is quite good when it comes to bringing Og to life.  She is the heart and swearing soul of this show—though it does take some time for the audience to warm up to her prickly, downtrodden, endearingly-pathetic character.

Unfortunately, the acting of Og’s boyfriend (who also directs this episode) is not up to par with Anita’s compelling performance, but, at least, he’s not heavily featured.

On a technical note, I watched the show in full screen, and found the drifting shallow focus distracting, especially when the majority of the show features Og in close-up and medium shots.  Was this intentional?  If so, why?

In the end, this episode was a lot longer than I had bargained for, and longer than it had to be.  Og’s monologues, although funny and biting, didn’t necessarily push the story forward—just her character.  And by the first or second monologue, we’ve already got plenty to go on in terms of figuring out who Og is with all her quirks.

Yes, this is very much “The Og Show.”  And if you can fall in love with the character, you’ll probably happily tune in to more of Og’s daily mis-adventures.  And if you can’t, then this might not be for you.

Ruffus The Dog: The Second Voyage of Sinbad

Ruffus reprises his role as the famous adventurer, Sinbad the Sailor, with his stalwart crew mates Ray and Harry, the Hausen brothers in The Second Voyage Of Sinbad.

Features the song: “Over Seas”

4 swirlies

“This one’s filled with rubies and… supermarket discount coupons!”

Full disclosure: I love puppets.  Also, I’m twitter buddies with creator Robert Mills, although I have never met him in person!

But rest assured, that does not affect the fact that I really liked this show.  It’s exactly what I would’ve loved to watch as a kid.  It’s fun, honest, wholesome, good old fashion storytelling.  I would most definitely recommend it to my young cousins!

But it’s also one of those rare shows that parents probably wouldn’t mind watching with their young kids.  The creators have made a real effort to sneak in a few jokes for the adults, and we appreciate it.  Heck, I just about laughed out loud when I saw the puppets partying with Ruffus Sinbad!

Also, I swear Lamb Chop was in that mambo line.

In short, the puppets come alive.  The voice actors are awesome.  The comedy is imaginative with jokes and physical slapstick—well, as much slapstick as puppets can handle!  The story has a solid beginning, middle, and end with enough obstacles to keep the kiddies entertained for thirteen minutes.  And it all looks great.

Plus, Ruffus sings!

“Glee” had better watch its back.

But hey, the real judges for this show will be your kids.  So let us know what they think!

Vampire Zombie Werewolf Ep.2 “An American Zombie in London”

What does it take to create a Vampire Zombie Werewolf? Some say less, some say moors.

4 Swirlies

“Look, I’m a werewolf and you’re gonna be one soon. So get used to it, dickhead.”

We find out how the producer’s clients became Vampire Zombie Werewolves.

The origin story is actually pretty funny, and the guy who plays the werewolf who bites the husband is absolutely hysterical – and worth watching for that scene alone.

The flashbacks are by far my favourite parts. The body of the episode – and the series – is the suburban couple trying to sell the story of their lives to a terrified web series producer. I’m not entirely sure where that’s going. Is it simply a framing structure for the flashbacks? The idea of a Vampire Zombie Werewolf is original, but the characters of the uptight suburbanites are ones we’re seen many times before. I feel like these scenes don’t have much in the way of story or gags. At least, not yet.

But, as I said, more than worth watching for the scenes on the moor. They’re pretty hilarious.

8.13 Ep.2 “Hacker (13 hours earlier)”

Johnny, a super hacker who is obsessed with conspiracy theories, tracks guerrilla resistance group M.A.R.S. and pharmaceutical company, Rundberg. Johnny and his friend Toby start the evening 13 hours before the interrogation.

1 Swirlie

“Fine. If she gets into one of her moods, I’m dropping her off – Skid Row.”

I don’t really have much to say about this one. After the tension and mystery of the first episode, this exposition heavy second part is a let down.

There’s so much talk, I barely caught a fraction of it. And still no zombie action.

When I can’t find something to recommend in a video, I feel like I’ve failed you guys. But for this one you should give it a pass. Maybe the third episode will pick up.

More From YouTube:

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Red Carpet Run Ep. 2

In this episode categories include “TV of 2002″, “Transforming Actors”, and “Gene Wilder”.

3 Swirlies

It’s a web series. It’s a game show. Stop, you’re both right.

Not much to say about a game that I didn’t say in my post on the first episode, beyond the fact that the series is still fun and well done.

Can you beat the contestants to the buzzer?

Friday Night Playlist for November 12th!

Another weekend, another Friday Night Playlist!

You of course can browse through the playlist, which contains all of our favourite videos from the past week. But don’t be afraid to hit play and then settle back with a big bowl of popcorn!

9 videos this week. Seems like it was a pretty good week for us, here at The Watch List.

I’ve been trying to use Embedr to make this playlists, but as I noted in the Tights and Fights post, it appears to be down. So I’ve gone back to YouTube. Say what you want about YouTube, but it almost always works. If you’re using something else, you’re taking your chances. YouTube FTW!

With The Angels Ep. 3 “Sunshine Film Academy”

This is what started it all. I hope y’all will call and give them your two cents, before they hurt anybody else!

[ED NOTE: This is not a real commercial!]

5 Swirlies

Ha! I gave this 5 Swirlies for their balls in making an episode of the heavy “With the Angels” a gag commercial… and that’s the whole episode. I won’t be putting this into the Friday Playlist because, judging from the comments on YouTube, this might confuse some people.

I thought the commercial itself was funny, but what I really love is the context it gives to the life of our main character. I forget her name, it’s been awhile since I watched the first two episodes of “With the Angels.”

It also leads to the question of whether you should work to make it very clear to people randomly surfing around YouTube that a video is part of a work of fiction? Should you try to use it as a hook – like LonelyGirl15? Or should you add titles or graphics so that people connect with it and experience it with the right mindset?

Which brings up a larger question. How hard should a web series creator work to maintain the fictional reality of their show online? If someone is clearly interacting with a character through YouTube or whatever as if that person is really their friend, a real person instead of a fiction character, should the creator be obliged to break the reality?

Any thoughts, oh mighty and wise Watch Listers?